The City of Houston officially declared Tuesday "Duane Brown Day." So how did he celebrate?

The Houston Texans left tackle spent the morning helping more than 850 kids from five schools in Spring Branch ISD and Houston ISD get pumped up about reading at the NRG Center. The third annual “Readers Do Something About It” reading rally, sponsored by the United Way of Greater Houston, promotes reading through educational and fun activities such as viewing a movie inside a mobile planetarium, line-dancing and geography games.

While sharing how he uses reading every day, Brown challenged every student to read 20 books in the next three months. The kids eagerly applauded and accepted his challenge, especially when he explained that even football players need strong reading skills to succeed.

 "It's one of the best moments of my life, man. I don't even think it's really hit me what happened." 

Recognizing that many students don’t have access to books, each student took home four books to help meet his or her reading goal. Students were also treated to performances by Houston native and The Voice contestant Savannah Berry and the Havikoro break dancers.  

Following the rally, Brown went to Houston City Hall where Mayor Annise Parker and City Council members honored him for his involvement in the Texans All Community Team (TACT) program, where Texans players purchase season tickets for local non-profit organizations so youngsters can go to a game, and other community efforts.

"It's one of the best moments of my life, man," Brown said. "I don't even think it's really hit me what happened. It's a great honor, a very humbling feeling to be acknowledged by something like this. I appreciate it."

Got a great photo of a Houston happening or everyday occurrence? Send it to barbara@culturemap.com, along with details (who, what, where and why it's special). It might make our Pix of the Day.